Animal Services Officers Enforcing Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs Law; No Unattended Outdoor Tethering of Dogs during Extreme Cold Weather
Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for tonight, January 18 and the next several days, the Director of the Montgomery County Animal Services Division Thomas Koenig is announcing enforcement of Executive Regulation 10-10AM, Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs.
Section II-C of the regulation states that “a person must not tether a dog under circumstances that endanger its health, safety, or well-being including: unattended tethering of the dog during a weather emergency.” The enforcement of this regulation is put into effect during periods of high heat and humidity, and during conditions of extreme cold, wind, and heavy snow which can all be damaging to dogs and other animals. The penalty for this violation is a $500 fine.
Montgomery County Police Animal Services officers want to remind citizens to be particularly careful with all pets during this period of cold weather. The best advice during periods of extreme weather conditions is to bring pets indoors. Even animals that are accustomed to living outdoors can be susceptible to the dangers of cold weather. Livestock animals should have a place to get out of the wind and dry bedding should be provided to protect them from frostbite.
ASD Officers will be on-call, patrolling neighborhoods and responding to any animal-related emergencies. If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, please call the Animal Services Division immediately at 301-279-8000.
Excellent idea!!! And while YOUR at it....open your doors to the horse's, cattle, sheep and goats, and yes bring those chickens and ducks in TO! And dont forget about the deer, opossum and coon, squirrel and them cute little birds dont take up much room....but there are billions of them!!!!
ReplyDeleteliberal idiots!
To play devil's advocate those animals have shelter they can get to. I have seen dogs chained to a stake out in the open and that's just sad.
DeleteI do agree with you though, can't address this with more and more laws.
Until people push legislators to pass this as a law, there is nothing law enforcement can do. (if the animal has food water and shelter) You also have to consider that this is a rural area where dogs are working dogs, e.g. protection, hunting, etc. The attitudes toward animal care are different here then they are in more urban areas. Also consider that some domesticated animals just do not do well inside or must be crated for long hours while the human is away. If you have a concern, contact a reputable local rescue or animal welfare organization for advice or help. Research how to approach the situation in the right way or you may just sign the death certificate for that animal. Do I agree with the manner in which some pet owners care for their pets? No. But I don't have the right to try to bully them into living their life by my standards. Do I agree with the laws that make pets property? Absolutely not. But it doesn't mean I take the law into my own hands. If I do that, then all the ones I may have been able to save die because I'm in jail and can't be their advocate. It hurts like hell but sadly you can not save them all.
ReplyDeleteCity laws call for the animal to have shelter, shade and water. Well, in the winter, shade doesn't matter, the water's frozen and shelter is a relative thing. Shelter should be sufficient to keep the animal safe from the elements and comfortable. Indoors is the best place for that.
ReplyDeleteEven though the "law" states tethered... I hope this wouldn't open the door for yahoo's to call on people with herding/livestock dogs. While they are not tethered, and do have shelter and bedding, they prefer to be out guarding their property. What's to keep a nosy do nothing from reporting that?
ReplyDeleteIf a person can't properly take care of a pet, they shouldn't get one in the first place.
ReplyDeleteSmyrna and Milford De pd is giving free straw to owners of outside pets to help keep them warm and safe. Good idea that needs to happen around here.
ReplyDeleteTethering a pet to a post, without shelter, is cruel in any kind of weather.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the law that says the cops can't shoot your dog when they raid the wrong house or go on a warrentless search through your backyard?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWhere is the law that says the cops can't shoot your dog when they raid the wrong house or go on a warrentless search through your backyard?
January 20, 2016 at 4:19 PM
the law inside my magazine, and I don't mean reading material.
... or during extreme heat.
ReplyDelete